B0598 - DIRITTO DELLE PARI OPPORTUNITÀ

Learning outcomes

The goal of this course is a complex one that appears particularly relevant in light of the most recent political-institutional debate, considering the growing importance of equality in all its various facets at national, European and international level.

Course contents

THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES LAW COURSE TAKES PLACE IN PRESENCE ONLY AND IS LIMITED TO 20 STUDENTS.

The entire course will be held in presence with 1 weekly meeting of 4 consecutive hours (Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.).

Students are asked to read before class the materials assigned, according to the instructions given by the Professor.

Active participation is always required.

The course begins with the analysis of the Constitution, highlighting the key role of equality. Article 3 and all the different parameters there enshrined are studied in depth. and then declines the principle of equality in the different Gender, religion, language, race, personal conditions will be analyzed as discriminating factors. It will be also verified what has been done and what remains to be done for the principle of equality to be fully realised in the daily practice of institutions and society.

Since 2019-2020 academic year, the course has changed the teaching system, by 'experimenting' a new approach that gets along with lectures, the examination of the Constitution, the study and knowledge of domestic and foreign legislations and judgments, by also watching some movies that 'play on the stage' specific cases of equality/inequality. These movies and docu-films have real stories as starting points and are preceded and followed by theoretical reflections on the specific parameter under discussion.

Lectures will be based on slides, judgments and normative references also from a comparative perspective.

The course aims to provide students with:

1. the tools necessary to understand the emergence and establishment of the principle of equality;

2. the ability to understand what a stereotype is and when it turns into a prejudice;

3. the ability to evaluate the consequences of the principle of equality;

4. the ability to interpret national, European and international legislations and jurisprudence on equality;

5. the ability to understand the significance of institutional changes and the weight of such transformations with respect to the general legal system, in order also to highlight what steps still need to be taken to really realize the principle of equality in its various declinations.

6. Particular attention will be paid to the parameter of equality without distinction of sex as realized in our legal system and also comparing the main European and international regulations and experiences in this area.

Particularly important in this regard will be the study of the woman's body and the principle of self-determination.

 

 

Readings/Bibliography

Texts/Bibliography

ATTENDING STUDENTS

Given the interactive nature of the course, attending students will be provided with materials (laws, court decisions, articles, and essays) and bibliographic suggestions as the course progresses.

Therefore, it is NOT necessary to purchase a specific textbook in advance.

There are some interesting readings (at the discretion of the students) that are recommended (NOT required) to explore certain aspects of the course in greater depth:

M. D’Amico and B. Liberali (eds.), Manuale di diritto delle donne, Milan, Giuffrè, 2025;

M. D’Amico, M.C. Grisolia, and B. Liberali (eds.), Gender Issues, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2025;

E. Chiappero, S. Illari, and M.A. Zanetti, Preventing Gender-Based Violence and Beyond: A Multidisciplinary Perspective, Turin, Giappichelli, 2025;

F. Rescigno, Toward a Gender-Based Habeas Corpus, Naples, Editoriale Scientifica, 2022.

G. Carofiglio, Accendere i fuochi. Manuale di lotta e gentilezza, Milano, Mondadori, 2026.

V. Bonini, V. Calderai, E. Catelani, A. Sperti, E. Stradella, (eds.), Law and Gender from a European Perspective, Naples, Editoriale Scientifica, 2021.

Familiarity with and consultation of the Italian Constitution is ESSENTIAL.

 

STUDENTS NOT ATTENDING CLASSES

The texts adopted for non-attending students are as follows:

M. D’Amico and B. Liberali (eds.), Handbook of Women’s Law, Milan, Giuffrè, 2025;

F. Rescigno, Toward a Gender-Based Habeas Corpus, Naples, Editoriale Scientifica, 2022.

It is ESSENTIAL to consult and be familiar with the Italian Constitution

Teaching methods

The course offers two different tracks for attending students and any non-attending students.

A student is considered attending if they have participated in at least 75% of the classes.

Attendance will be taken at each class.

For attending students, knowledge of the subject will be acquired through participation in class discussions, the writing of short papers, watching films, and reviewing the slides and materials provided by the instructor during class.

Specific sessions for in-depth discussion with guest speakers and experts will also be organized.

During the course, students will be required to submit short papers to the instructor or present them to the class. At the end of the course, there will be an assessment session featuring a group discussion to which each student must contribute individually.

STUDENTS NOT ATTENDING CLASSES

For students NOT attending classes, knowledge of the subject will be acquired through the study of:

M. D’Amico - B. Liberali (eds.), Manual of Women’s Law, Milan, Giuffrè, 2025;

F. Rescigno, Per un habeas corpus di genere, Naples, Editoriale Scientifica, 2022.

and by passing a “traditional” oral exam.

Assessment methods

Passing the exam for those attending will be achieved by participating in the debates, watching the films, examining the slides and materials provided by the lecturer during the lectures, and in the specific in-depth discussions with guests and experts.

During the course they will be required to submit short papers to be sent to the lecturer or exhibited to the class a at the end of the course there will be a moment of verification with a collective debate to which each student/student will have to make an individual contribution previously agreed upon with Professor Rescigno.

For those NOT attending with an oral examination on the reference texts.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities:

please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

 

Teaching tools

Ppts and DVDs.

Office hours

See the website of Francesca Rescigno